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Sinenhlanhla Mncwango is originally from the small town of Vryheid in Northern KwaZulu-Natal and now lives in Gauteng. She has an honours degree in journalism from the University of Johannesburg. Her experience spans online news, sports journalism and radio. In her spare time, she enjoys a good game of cricket or hockey and loves learning new languages.

Poultry: obstacles and possibilities for small-scale producers

Kobedi Pilane, CEO of African Poultry Producers and a commercial poultry farmer in Brakfontein, near Parys in North West, spoke to Sinenhlanhla Mncwango about the first steps that small-scale farmers must take if they hope to scale up to commercial production.

Fighting hunger, one meal at a time: the story of SA Harvest’s impact

A Harvest is revolutionising the fight against hunger in South Africa by rescuing surplus food from going to waste, redistributing it to vulnerable communities, and tackling systemic issues like food insecurity. Ozzy Nel, chief operating officer at SA Harvest, spoke to Sinenhlanhla Mncwango about the tangible impact the non-profit organisation is having on vulnerable communities.

Provinces announce agri budgets for 2025/26

The finance MECs of various provinces recently delivered their respective provincial budgets for the 2025/26 financial year, outlining allocations to the agriculture sector amid economic constraints.

‘No need to panic over green longhorn grasshopper outbreaks’

Outbreaks of green longhorn grasshoppers, also known as katydids or bush crickets, were recently reported in several areas across Mpumalanga, including Aerorand, Rondebosch, Kanonkop, Emalahleni, and Middelburg.

SA set to ship first consignments of table grapes to the Philippines

South Africa has officially been granted access to export fresh table grapes to the Philippines, according to a recent statement by Minister John Steenhuisen of the Department of Agriculture. The Philippines market officially opened up to South African fresh table grapes on 26 February.

SASKO delivers softer, tastier loaves in its new “Betterest” range

SASKO recently hosted a media luncheon during which it introduced its new ‘Betterest’ white and brown premium bread loaves. David Howard, SASKO’s head of research and development, spoke to Farmer’s Weekly about the company’s approach to wheat production and milling.

Highveld farmers urged to take proactive steps against maize diseases

The increasing prevalence of grey leaf spot (GLS), caused by the fungus Cercospora zeae-maydis, and northern corn leaf blight (NCLB), caused by the fungus Exserohilum turcicum, in South Africa’s Highveld is raising concerns amongst maize farmers.

Late plantings pose a problem for grain and oilseed farmers

Pannar Seed (Pannar) recently hosted its Extravaganza 2025 in Val, eastern Mpumalanga, during which agronomists and farmers discussed the pressing challenges facing the grains and oilseed industry.

African armyworm detected on farms in three provinces

An outbreak of the African armyworm (Spodoptera exempta) has been reported in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo, according to Roger Price, research team manager at the Agricultural Research Council, and Dr Godfrey Kgatle, research co-ordinator at Grain SA. The African armyworm feeds predominantly on grasses, but may also feed on grains, such as maize and millet.

Crocodile farming: the importance of adapting to climate change

Crocodile farming is a profitable niche industry in South Africa that is focused on supplying premium skins to the global luxury goods market. However, as the effects of climate change intensify, maintaining ideal conditions for these reptiles becomes more difficult. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to two farmers about how they’re tackling these challenges while supporting conservation and economic growth in the country.

Hold off on increasing sugar tax to help industry, says SASA

With the Budget Speech set to be delivered by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana on 19 February, the Health Promotion Levy, or sugar tax, and sugar cane master plan have again come under the spotlight.

Limpopo farmers struggle with failing road infrastructure despite promised repairs

Despite years of engagement with authorities, many roads in Limpopo still remain in disrepair. This was according to Deidre Carter, CEO of Agri Limpopo.

Biosecurity & nutrition: the foundation of pig farming success

JD Mostert, a consulting swine nutritionist at CS Vet, and Dr Stefan Steyn, a veterinarian at Afrivet, shared their expertise with Sinenhlanhla Mncwango, delving into why biosecurity and nutrition are critical pillars in establishing and maintaining a productive pig farm geared for long-term success.

Agritourism on the rise as consumers remain under pressure

South Africa’s agritourism sector saw rising interest from the youth, city dwellers and families over the past festive season, according to Jacqui Taylor, CEO and founder of Agritourism Africa.

The business of pig farming: practical steps for success

Running a pork farm requires knowledge and expertise. Mosele Lepheane, director of a small piggery in the Free State, spoke to Sinenhlanhla Mncwango about the structured approach needed to succeed, from drafting a business plan and managing cash flow to sourcing equipment and expanding market access.